Trust in educators is running high among preschooler parents, who gave their vote of confidence in a first-of-its kind Preschool Experience Survey that was released at the Start Small Dream Big (SSDB) Walkathon on 9 May 2026.
The survey gathered responses from close to 1,800 parents across different preschools in Singapore with the key highlights:
- 95 per cent are satisfied with their preschool’s safety standards
- 91 per cent recognised early childhood educators as trained professionals who play an important role in children’s learning, development, and wellbeing
- 89 per cent are satisfied with both the quality of education and their partnerships with educators
“Understanding what parents value for their children’s preschool experiences gives us rich insights on how we can continue raising the quality of early childhood education in Singapore,” said ECDA Chief Executive Officer Ms Ku Geok Boon.
Beanstalk caught up with five parents and educators who shared the importance of partnering each other to help their pre-schoolers have a strong start.
Ms Jayasutha Samuthiran with her husband (centre) and two children, 2-year-old Eegan and 4-year-old Milir
Volunteering at her children’s preschool, Lumiere Montessori House Macpherson, has given Ms Jayasutha Samuthiran a different perspective on what educators manage each day. “As a parent, it’s so important to be embedded within the preschool community. You build a level of empathy with the teachers — no parent has 20 children to handle, and you see how that could multiply quite quickly,” she said. “We get reprieve from 8am to 7pm, but that’s when the educators are in the throes of it.”
Ms Lu Yahui (left), a senior preschool educator with the parents of 4-year-old Scarlett
Ms Lu Yahui, Senior Preschool Educator at E-Bridge Pre-school Circuit Road with Mr Goh Bing Kun, a first-time father whose daughter attends the preschool, said: “Children grow up very fast. After preschool comes primary school — and maybe by then they won’t even want to find you anymore (laughs). Educators spend many hours in preschool with our daughter. It’s important to have transparency in our communication with them as they are a rich source of information on how she is doing.”
Ms Vivna Tee (left) with her son, 3-year-old Gerald engaged in an outdoor activity and Gerald’s Chinese teacher Ms Wang Fan (centre)
Ms Vivna Tee and her husband make it a point to participate in events held at M.Y World Marsiling Greenview, where her son attends Nursery 1. “We never expected the preschool to be this supportive. Especially the updates — they are very regular, which is important in reassuring anxious parents like us as first-time parents,” she said. “Our son’s class teachers, including Ms Wang Fan, give a lot of feedback. When we pick up the children, they will always update us on his day.”
Ms Hurul-A'in Binte Mohd Yusoff (left) with Ms Norkhairuniza Binte Adbul Hafiz, mother of a 10-month-old child from her preschool
Ms Hurul-A’in Binte Mohd Yusoff, Senior Principal at PCF Sparkletots @ Potong Pasir Blk 101, believes that every child needs to be seen, heard, and loved. “I have two teachers now who were actually my students — I taught them in K1! It reminds me of the impact educators can have, and how we can inspire the next generation,” she added. “Who knows, those we are teaching today may be preschool teachers in another 20 years’ time.”
Ms Natasha Bahajaj (left), a preschool educator, conducting a music and movement activity with parents and children from Little Atlas Preschool
Ultimately, the stories behind the survey’s data point to one thing: When parents and educators work together, children feel it. “Children know when the parent and educators are on the same page — and the consistency helps them become more confident everyday,” said Ms Natasha Bahajaj, an educator at Little Atlas Preschool.
